What is compete? Pronunciation and usage in English

compete means . Learn how to pronounce and use compete through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of compete

competeverb

/kəmˈpiːt/
Definition & pronunciation of compete

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "compete." Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • kuhm-PEET

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • kuhm: Sounds like "coom" but with a shorter, softer "uh" sound. Think of the "uh" in "but."
  • PEET: This is the tricky part. It rhymes with "beet" or "meet." The "e" is said clearly and distinctly. It's NOT like the "e" in "bed."

British English Pronunciation:

  • kum-PEET

The "kuhm" is slightly softer and less emphasized than in American English.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "PEET" sound: This is often where learners struggle. Practice saying "beet" or "meet" slowly and deliberately.
  • Don't add an extra "uh" The "uh" in "kuhm" is brief and subtle.
  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. The best way to learn is to hear the word spoken correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "compete" in and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/%C3%A7om%C3%A7ep/) – This site has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce compete" – you'll find many videos.

Resources to help you practice:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ – Type in “compete” and it will show you video examples of native speakers using the word in context.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word compete in English

Let's break down how to use the word "compete" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: To Strive Against Others

The core meaning of "compete" is to strive against someone else to achieve a goal or win something. It implies rivalry and a desire to be the best.

  • Example: "The athletes compete in the Olympic Games." (They're trying to win medals.)
  • Example: "Small businesses compete with larger corporations for market share." (They're trying to attract customers.)
  • Example: "Students compete for scholarships to fund their education." (They're vying for limited opportunities.)

2. Different Forms & Usage:

  • Competing: This is the present participle, used with helping verbs like "is," "are," "was," "were," "being," and "been."

    • Example: "They are competing for the lead in the race."
    • Example: "She was competing against a much stronger opponent."

  • Competition: This is the noun form, referring to the act or process of competing.

    • Example: "The competition was fierce."
    • Example: “The company faces tough competition in the market.”

  • To compete with: This emphasizes the individual or thing struggling against something else.

    • Example: "He wants to compete with his brother's success."
    • Example: "The new product needs to compete with the existing ones."

  • To compete against: Similar to "to compete with," but can sometimes imply a more direct confrontation.

    • Example: "She competed against her best friend in the spelling bee."

3. Beyond Sports & Business – More General Uses

"Compete" isn't just used for sports and business. It can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is striving for something, even if it’s not a tangible prize.

  • Example: "Ideas compete for attention in a crowded marketplace of information." (Ideas are vying for people's interest.)
  • Example: “My attention was competing between watching the game and finishing my homework.” (Attention is being divided.)
  • Example: “Our values compete with each other sometimes.” (Different values are vying for dominance within someone’s beliefs.)

4. Key Phrases & Idioms

  • To compete for something: “They are competing for a promotion.”
  • To compete in something: "He competed in the chess tournament.”
  • To be a competitor: “She is a fierce competitor.”

Tips for Using "Compete" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Make sure the situation clearly suggests rivalry or striving.
  • Consider the alternative: Sometimes, words like "challenge," "contest," "rival," or "strive" can be stronger substitutes depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "compete" in specific contexts?
  • Explain the difference between "compete" and related words like “challenge” or “contest”?
  • Create a sentence using “compete” that you can practice?

Synonyms for the word compete

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